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Thursday, 4 September 2014

I'm back with a bang from a fairly long hiatus
with lots and lots of retro news - folks, ideas are just buzzing and I can’t
wait to put pen to paper and for your perusal. However, let me make a start
and arouse your
interest.

A FRENCH LADY IN GIRGAON

A trip to
Pondicherry is always a delight but this time it was a double delight when I pleasantly ran into Alexandra Quinn with whom I had worked almost 15 years
ago on an assignment in Bombay which we
both enjoyed for a year .

Alex, a French anthropologist
from the University of Sorbonne, was on the lookout for a Marathi speaking
person with working knowledge of French and an anthropologist like herself. My
professor Dr Kamla Ganesh called me and asked me whether I would like to work
with her. Not really knowing what I was in for, I jumped at it. Alex then
explained to me that she had already done one assignment in Bombay couple of
years back “Tracing the journey of the Dabbawallas” in Bombay. She literally
lived their journey for two whole months before she wrote about them. Well this
assignment was all about women who supplied lunch dabbas and snacks to all
Bombaywallas who wanted to partake of home-made and good wholesome food. The
category of women she selected was of a low to middle income group who were
part of a food centre called KUTUMB SAKHI. A large kitchen with all the amenities, this
centre distributed food to different SAKHI kiosks all over the city but mostly
the fort area. Alex wanted to feature
these women and their food culture as part of her PhD programme. So interacting
with them, their families and getting acquainted with their lifestyles was the
agenda.

Kutumbh Sakhi was run by Mrs.Nawalkar wife of Mr.Promod Nawalkar, M.L.A in the S. K. Patil
Udyan in Marine Lines - a beautiful park
with fountains and a greenhouse
type of semi enclosed area. This park
had a dual purpose – a park for all both the young and old during the day and
in the late evening was used as place for quiet reading and study for
many young students and working people for lack of space in their own homes. Many
Bombay wallas will surely recall this green lung in the city but currently I
see this place totally cordoned off. Not knowing what’s going on - whether
redevelopment demolition or disappearance of the garden itself.

Soon Alex and I
set to work. The first move was to establish a friendly rapport with the women
for we were definitely going to intrude into their lives for the next couple of
months. Not only their lives but their houses too. To get them to talk about
themselves to a foreigner itself was a herculean task. And as an interpreter
and a research assistant I had to put all my persuasive skills to test. It was difficult but soon found that each of
the women had a vulnerable side. Some were widowed young , others abused battered
or abandoned yet others reeling
from the behavior of their own kith and kin – but yes all of them trying to
make a life for themselves through
Kutumbh Sakhi. And FOOD. I then realized
that food can be such a leveler.

The environment
was so lively and harmonious here. It was when the women met during every
morning or afternoon shift that everything changed. There was bonhomie and
cheer all around. Many an amusing
anecdotes were recounted and exchanged with zest and perhaps a little exaggeration
all in good spirit. For me, it became tedious to translate every word to Alex
especially the finer nuances of the Marathi language into either French or English
as Alex’s English was not too fluent. So the dictionary was a constant
companion! Occasionally Alex felt left out while we joked and I could see the
frustrated look. But she was a good sport and we tried to do our best.

Many a times she
wanted to visit their houses and most of the women were reluctant. I could
sense this because of their living conditions. It was a sensitive issue but I
knew we would need to push it gently.

What an
experience it was - most of them lived in Girgaon in the different wadis –had to explain to Alex
what a wadi was. She was fascinated with Girgaon and for the next one year had
explored every bylane of Girgaon like no Bombaywalla had, I bet . The few multi
storeyed structures which dominated the quaint shops selling myriad things,
sweatmeat shops displaying the typical Maharashtrian fare especially eateries
like Panshikars from where she would
never return empty handed was a treat. She loved the crowds of Bombay, the
packed trains, the street food, the roadside chaiwalla where she savoured “the
cutting chai” and sugarcane juice walla , even the humble channa wala.

The entrance to Panshikar at Girgaon

Delicious Kothimbir Vadi and Ambache Panhe at Panshikars(Both Images are clicked by Manjiri when we visited Girgaon together)

During the course of her research she was
intrigued by the food rituals they followed especially according to the
different seasons. I am referring also to the concept of the hot and cold food.
At the end of her tenure she too was constantly questioning should I eat this
or should I not. Their peculiar individuality fascinated her and she very rarely
found two women to be alike and that was what was so interesting. She loved the haldi kunku, satyanarayan
poojas, the Holi festivals and the food which went with it. She became an
expert at making puranpolis. Alex always wore Indian clothes while working and
became a French chick only in the evenings.

On one of the visits
to a family, we met a face reader who read her so accurately that Alex got
afraid and ran away. She was amazed at the gentleman’s accurate reading of her life.

Alex had collected substantial data and was
ready to weed out the unnecessary. She took away with her lasting and endearing
memories.

Our conversation at Pondicherry was only
about Girgaon and how it was slowly losing its originality.

Today KUTUMB SAKHI kiosks have increased
and so have their sales and it continues to serve the large community of Bombay
with its wholesome fare.

Sunday, 13 October 2013

This
is exactly what happened to me on entering the famous mithai shop of Joshi
Buddakaka Mahim, Kishore Purshottam Joshi, co-owner of the shop which belongs
to the eighth generation of the Buddakaka family,who has been running this quaint
sweetmeat shop in Bombay since the 40’s
from the heritage building “Empire Mahal”
at Dadar T.T.Originally from Pushkar, Rajasthan,the Buddakaka family had
settled here for almost 300 years.Kishore Purshottam’s forefathers in the interim period moved to Jamkhambalia, a small village in
Gujarat, from where their sweetmeat enterprise first began on a small scale,
manufacturing and selling sweetmeats
door-to–door.They were the pioneers of the famous Indian sweet – the Mahim
halwa.It was first conceived by his great grandfather in 1780s and proved a
great success The enterprise grew from strength to strength with all family
members’ full participation which can be seen till to date.

A
man of spirit and conviction, Girdhar Mavji one of Kishore’s forefathers,knew
where his ambitions lay and dared to walk
from Gujarat to Mumbai in the 18th century,to set up shop here. He
explored the markets and decided on Mahim.Mahim in those days was a small
village whose inhabitants included Kolis,Kharwas from Gujarat and many other
communities who took to this sweet – technicolour translucent square pieces,made
by mixing malt,sugar,wheat extract clarified butter and dry fruits, stirring
them under heat for 30-35 minutes. The creamy liquid is then poured over wooden
pads and stretched. The more it is stretched the thinner the layer.It is then
sprinkled with dry fruits and left for four hours after which it is transferred
on to thin butter paper to set.

Why
the name Mahim Halwa? Was it because it was made in Mahim first as the first
shop was set up in Mahim, in Kapad Bazaar. Kishore Buddhakaka was not very sure
how the name came about. And what of the name “Buddakaka? The name was probably
coined because of the respect given due
to the founder fathers who conducted the
business from the shop at Mahim bundar.The customers called him ‘Kaka” Joshi,was
the surname.They were all Brahmins from Pushkar who migrated to Saurashtra.
Booming sales and success of the shop at Mahim subsequently led to the establishment
of two other shops in Tardeo and Dadar T.T while the main manufacturing unit
remained at Mahim.

“We
have workers from Gujarat and Rajasthan for generations who have been specially
trained in the art of sweet meat making. We look after all their needs like
food and accommodation. In fact they are almost like an extended family. Some
of them start as cleaners and slowly through observation graduate to the level
of manufacturing the sweetmeats. We have about 30 workers now owing to recession,
but still the demand is more.

A
unique characteristic of this family unlike any other families having
traditional enterprise is that the extended family comprising uncles and their
children have all taken interest in this business despite alternate attractive career
options and varied opportunities. Says Kishore “Some of my cousins are doctors
and lawyers who devote time to this enterprise after office hours
and during festive season give
their time for almost the entire day.
Women also help during peak season”

On
entering the kitchen I found it spotless and odourless and one can’t tell that
sweetmeats were made here all day. The workers are well looked after and that’s
why they have been with them for generations. Adds Kishore “We are unconcerned
about competition as we know those who like this sweetmeat will definitely buy
it.Children are attracted towards it because of their attractive colours and
the fact that they just melt in the mouth.”

The
variety of Indian sweets is phenomenal and many of them are associated with
specific events like marriages and festivals, they are also symbolic as
gestures of good hospitality. Indian sweets are eaten anytime – at the end of
the meal or as a snack, at celebrations at the start of new ventures in fact on
any auspicious occasion.But the Mahim Halwa with its special flavor is unique with
its special flavour and colour.Just as a trip to Bombay is incomplete without
sampling its bhelpuri, pani puri and vada pau, a bite of this sweet translucent
piece is a must.

Sunday, 22 September 2013

‘’Those were the days,my friend, we thought they’d never end, we’ll singand dance for ever and again” so sang MaryHopkins,not so long ago.Yes, those were the days, the simple pleasures of
life one enjoyed in good old Bombay. The Sunday morning jam sessions at the
popular disco Venice opposite Eros Theatre,which was also a night
club where Biddu,known as The Lone Trojan belted songs of The Beatles, Trini Lopez, and other popular numbers and The Ritz which was also much frequented and popular for its conventional
music and dancing. Sunday morning jam sessions were packed with teenagers as
well as oldies. Age no bar. After a morning show either at Strand theatre or
Eros, making way towards Venice was only natural. As sometimes the sessions
began at 2 Pm. Really don’t recollect how we managed the finances but we always
did manage within the group, with eats and colas as well. Life was uncomplicated,
no strings attached just permission needed from home which was given readily.
Mind you we did get home on time. Thus we worked hard to win over the
confidence of our parents. Life was fun.

Sometimes for a change we went
to hear Usha Iyer (Utthap) sing in
her deep throated voice at The Talk Of
The Town the catchy numbers of the time. We loved the lyrics she composed impromptu
which she sang accompanied by lovely tunes. I recollect she composed a song on
the lambretta which had just come
into the market, at the snap of the fingers and soon we were swaying to its
catchy tune and amazing lyrics. Such was her spontaneity. Unbelievable but true
a couple of years ago when I met her at an event in Bangalore, I dared to ask
her whether she remembered singing a song about a lambretta and guess what she
was humming the tune!

Eating delicious pastries and
oven fresh mutton patties at Gourdon
(which was near the current Asiatic
department store) was a treat so also occasionally a buffet lunch at The Taj which was just Rs 50! Well how
much can one eat. For the perpetual hungry collegians could anything be better
than this. I know 50 bucks then was a lot of money. But splurging on eating those
luxurious items was like a new lease on life. The famous Gaylord restaurant was also popular in its heyday with
mouthwatering fare and continental food. The cream rolls and mutton patties at Marosa Bakery were a must when in Fort area. So popular was it that the
owner once told us that Raj Kapoor
used to visit it very often, travelling all the way from the suburbs. The fish
and chips from Victory Stall near Gateway
of India, run by the Womens’ Wing
of the Times And Talents Club was
also on the agenda. How can one overlook another famous fish and chips stall
beside the Taraporewala Aquarium.

Those were the days when some of the prominent buildings like
the Victoria Terminus, the Municipal Building, the Times Of India were lit up to the tee during the Republic Day.Lorries would be organized
by (still don’t know) the residents I
suppose of different colonies, at night, to go around South Bombay for viewing the lights. I remember going on one such
tour with a group - most of them who were Parsees from Parsee Colony and Christians and a few Gujarati families.
Everyone was loaded with food which was exchanged and gorged till not a morsel
was left. New friends were made without any qualms and addresses were exchanged
for the organizing the same for the next year. En route there was much bonhomie,
screaming, singing and cracking jokes. Honestly till minutes ago one did not
know a soul and in the next there was embracing and laughter.There were no
traffic cops to man the route nor any security since the return was always
scheduled for early morning. Today this would be unheard of in the maze of
traffic Bombay has developed over the years. With hardly any traffic in the
mornings, skating down Marine Drive
was sheer delight. The wind whipping into your face. It was a thrilling and an
exhilarating experience as well.

A ride on the tram and atop a double decker bus admiring the city view was equally pleasurable. Long
distance journeys by train were always exciting. One looked forward to the
journey. The trains were spick and span and travelling by first class or in a coupe
was a luxury where personalized service by the railways was assured. Linen was
clean and starched stiff. Waiters in starched uniforms lurked around the
compartments, however much you wished to ignore them, waiting for you to give
them the orders for the next meal. Breakfast was on request “eggs to order” –
the typical “ferang way”. I guess the colonial influence had still not rubbed
off. Railway platforms were clean and were washed every day. Minimum tea stalls
occupied the platform. Only tea and sandwiches were sold. The concept of vada -
pau and other accompaniments was non-existent. The waiting rooms and toilets
were clean and were fit for sleeping in case you were catching an early morning
train or a late night train. Just like the railway platforms, the roads in
Bombay were washed every day.

Hence walking was a pleasure. Eating
was a pleasure In short living in Bombay was a pleasure.

No doubt a burgeoning population
and intra - migration has made inroads into Bombay’s undeveloped infrastructure
but at least we can keep the city uncluttered and safe and make normal and
everyday life saner!

Friday, 13 September 2013

The Bombay Duck or ‘Bombil’ or
‘’Gatagte’’ as it is locally called is Bombay’s most loved fish. It is believed
that it acquired its name in the days of the Raj, from being transported on a
train The Bombay Daak. The term was
then referred to as duck and has since remained. According to references Robert
Clive first coined the name after he had tasted it for the first time.The Daak
(newspaper) smelt of Bombay Duck as it has a distinct sharp, strong, smell.

It is found in the city’s coastal
waters especially during the monsoon.The Bombay Duck can be described as a lizard – like fish in
shape having a thin, longish transparent body,pinkish in colour and a considered a relish at any dining table offering
coastal cuisine. It is native to the
waters between Kutch in the Arabian Sea and found in small proportions in the
Bay of Bengal. Not every fish lover has acquired a taste for Bombay Duck. And
many run away from its smell. Its
versatility can be seen by the different ways it can be cooked. Curried fried,
in the form of fritters or dried. It is a delicate fish hence care should be
taken so as not to overcook it .

When curried, a Maharashtrian
special requires minimum effort as once it’s marinated, its soft flesh cooks on
its own steam. The charm of eating it is when it does not break.Dried Bombay
duck is equally tasty. On fishless days one can have a dried Bombay duck which
is already salted and dried months before with soft rice (In Marathi my
mother-tongue and the language of the original
inhabitants of Bombay such a soft
boiled rice is called Kheemat) or made
into a chutney with spices to be had with Bhakri (Indian bread) or curd rice.

You can also remove the bone from a fresh Bombay duck (a single one in the centre) and press it down
with a weight, removing the water and frying it in a tasty batter ------Bombay duck
fritters are surely to die for. You can eat several of them washing them down with a few beers and feni.

I recall the days when the
‘kolin’ (Marathi) 'masliwalli' (Marathi) or 'macchiwali'(Hindi) or the fisher-woman used to go from house to
house with a basket of fish on her head carrying a variety of fish but we
yearned to hear her call only for ‘bombil ghya,swaste ani taaje bombil’,( Marathi for - 'Buy
fresh and cheap Bombay duck) only then was there a flurry of activity.All
housewives would literally lean from
their balconies waving frantically for the mere glimpse of this precious personality to emerge from
wherever and avail of the first pick.Then would begin the haggling Lovers of Bombay duck would buy not in kilos
but in vatas , as they call in Marathi (
a measure ) but the quantity that constituted one vata was always questionable.Naturally arguments would follow.Finally the sale would be completed with
both parties contented.

Which were the communities that
relished the Bombay Duck - the Maharashtrians,the Parsees,the Anglo Indians
and the Goans. I remember the days
while returning by train from college the topic always centered around
fish especially the Bombay Duck,in the ladies compartment.
Each of them would compare prices in their own locality and the quantity sold
vis-a-vis the prices at the fish market.Many of them would buy them from
Sassoon Dock cheaply and then gloat over
the reaction of others.Such was the popularity of the fish . How can one
forget the fisher-women crowding the second class ladies compartment with their
fish baskets and literally spreading
themselves . And the prim and neatly
turned out office ladies turning up their noses at the smell emanating from the
baskets as well as their clothes.The fisher-woman would pass a rude comment while the demure ladies
held their breath or put handkerchiefs to their noses.his gesture would further infuriate the ''kolin's'' in the bargain and then
would start the abuses and the fights .
This is so typical of the Bombay
fisher-women. You cannot mess with them!!

The next post in the series is about two interviews Manjiri and I conducted with Agha and his daughters who own and run Cafe' Colony at Dadar Hindu Colony.

Shall share the links to the other two blog posts here as soon as they are up.

11th Sept'13

After a brilliant day in London with Manjiri at the London Review book store am looking forward to reading the books I purchased from this book store which is opposite the British Museum near Russell Square.
While I settle in with my cuppa and start reading ''The Peculiar Case of the Electric Constable'' by Carol Baxter (Did you know that its' about the first ever electric telegraph message sent in the world?) why don'y you read up my next post on Sliceoffme , it's an interview with Agha - the owner of a crumbling old Irani Cafe in Bombay city called Cafe Colony -http://sliceoffme.wordpress.com/2013/09/11/irani-cafe-colony-an-interview-with-the-owner-agha/

Wednesday, 28 August 2013

Bombay's ubiquitous black and yellow taxis have been there ever since I can remember only their drivers have changed. Those days fiats and ambassadors were seen in large numbers. The taxiwallahs of yesteryear Bombay were mostly Marathi speaking from distant villages in Maharashtra who came to Bombay to earn a living. They were polite, courteous and very protective towards their passengers and took you wherever you wanted to go without making a fuss, however circuitous the route was. Holding friendly conversations with them was a regular feature sans much probing. Generally a phrase often coined in Marathi ' kai haal chaal chale ahe. The taxiwallahs seem to know everything about the city -----from politics and political agenda of various parties to filmy gossip, to daily lives of the passengers; he was a wealth of information. Many of the passengers would have their regular taxis so they could continue their conversation of the previous day. Traffic was a smooth flow hence the focus was often not the road but observing the expressions of the passenger. Manouvring the taxi around was easy.

With the influx of migration in the 60s and 70s to Bombay people came on business or with the intention of settling down. With them came others looking for lucrative jobs and among them were jobs as taxi drivers . The change was subtle that of taxi drivers changing hands . There were many Sikh taxi drivers who came from Ludhiana, Amritsar and Jullunder with their kith and kin. They settled in areas like Sion and Wadala and other suburbs where cheap housing was available. They lived in ghetto like communities . Most of them were truck drivers also who drove both within the city and outside .Soon these settlements began to expand and one could observe almost every taxi being driven by Sikhs. Many of them could speak Marathi but they didn't, others resisted vehemently . Thus began the clashes between the two sets of community giving rise to a mini gang war, causing disruptions in the long queues . These heated exchanges often took place near railway stations, bus stations and other strategic venues .The passenger was totally confused . Gone was the bonhommie between the taxiwallah and the passengers . Instead there were sneers and swear words all the way. As a college student I witnessed several such heated arguments and getting into a taxi of rival taxiwallah was always threatening. The Sikhs and the Jats ( by then they had also joined the gang) were rough and bulky also rough in their language as compared to the puny local taxiwallah for whom loud abuse was unheard of. But soon they were too hurling the choicest abuses !!! Idle taxiwallahs soon got into abusive habits like gambling and eve-teasing . This was a major break in the relations between the passenger and the taxiwallah . There was no improvement in their behaviour . Occasionally one did come across a do gooder.

The eighties nineties and thereon saw a spurt in UP and Bihari taxiwallahs who are even more vicious, manupulative and abusive though I have come across many who are so aware of the situation in the city. I see many of them reading newspapers and holding discussions with like-minded folks . It is possible to hold a conversation with them on the especially on the trials and tribulations and the changing city scenario. Driving through the crazy traffic hour they have no qualms about talking on cell phones , stopping without the passengers consent for a paan from the roadside vendour or gutka packet or even to use the urinal. Pelting Bollywood numbers from their stereo gives them a high and one has to tell them to stop the infuriating music .

Their mental makeup is so varied Some sadists often peer in the mirror placed at an angle to watch young couples sitting behind and the taxiwallah weaves his own fantasy and smirks wickedly . Others watching you with furtive eyes even when you are anxious to reach your destination. The Bombay taxiwallah is very very perceptive, mind you . He can tell a passenger from his talk and attire. One is always vary of him. There are yet others who are helpful in calamities and crisis. Their unions are powerful and can Strike during the most vulnerable moment and are always up in arms at a drop of a hat. Their territory is well defined and they have the upper hand if they do not want to ply in a particular area.They are rude most of the times, moody at all times, and fleece you. So choose, folks want you want.

The Bombay taxiwallah, can we really do without them ----no we can't so endure them and hire them as only can they lead you to your destination.

Friday, 23 August 2013

Colaba Causeway was Bombay's elitist area in those days.Even those living in far flung suburbs would head to causeway for an whole day outing.The road stretching from Regal cinema to Colaba market was a paradise for shoppers.Only a few shops lined the causeway of which few have remained.But you got everything you wanted.Majority of Colaba's residents were Sindhi's who had flourishing businesses in the area and owned shops. There were a fair amount of Anglo-Indians ,Christians and Parsis.

The oil boom in the Middle-east saw rich Arabs flocking to Bombay often luring the locals populace with their newly acquired wealth. This resulted in mushrooming of several seedy and cheap lodges near and around the Taj Mahal Hotel encouraging prostitution, smuggling and other anti-social activities One could see shops with desi-goods but if you wanted a particular foreign item you could get it through the right contact.Smuggled goods were stocked behind some shops and under the staircases of decrepit buildings and acquired only when the shop keeper was convinced about the customer.The more you frequented him the easier it became to procure goods, then sold clandestinely after a fair amount of bargaining.Cosmetics, fabrics like (American georgette chiffon, crepes were a rage ,ready-made garments,denims (one could kill for a good fitting pair of denim jeans in those days) lingerie, electronic goods, exotic food items chocolates and toys were fast selling item . And believe me they were on everyone's wish list. Foreign ships which docked at Bombay Harbour frequently were another source from where goods were unloaded unchecked made an entry into the market. The type of goods and the variety and hordes of hawkers you see now was absent, instead the promenade inside causeway was clean, uncluttered with lots of space to walk, browse and window shop

.

Few cafes and small hotels too were situated in between shops.Cafe' Mondegar and Leopold Cafe , the all time popular joints were often frequented by the old and young.College kids and even us school kids from senior school haunted these places which was affordable with its sumptuous fare . Foreigners patronised them even then in large numbers. It was truly a vibrant hang out.An interesting feature of the causeway was that you had to constantly dodge the pimps and middlemen who used to pester the oil-rich Arabs for money openly. Young and nubile girls were compelled to avoid these Arabs and their lecherous looks .Often they would follow unsuspecting young girls till they disappeared into the dark by lanes of causeway.Parents would be petrified if we mentioned we were taking a walk down Colaba causeway. On hindsight why blame the Arabs a few of us would also lech at the handsome foreign sailors who came ashore from their ships, donning their smart uniforms and caps also on the lookout for some fun and frequented the causeway. The causeway was a wanderers delight!.Bookstalls with library facilities dotted the causeway and one could get MAD magazines, Archie comics and Playboy besides some excellent classics. And we lapped it all up !

Walking southwards towards the defense area, there was Paradise Restaurant (still there) known for its chicken lollies, a Paradise special, and continental food.The fare today is still delicious --its Parsi food, fish and mutton cutlets. This restaurant was always packed with an Anglo-Indian crowd as they devoured the continental fare of roast chicken and potatoes. Just before paradise, turning left was a quiet tree-line lane with beautiful apartments and houses. Another turn to the right and one came across the most frequented theatre - Strand which is defunct now. Strand screened the most popular Hollywood films like The Beatles- A Hard Days Night,Cliff Richards - Summer Holiday and The Young Ones and I recall seeing old Hitchcock films on Sunday mornings.

Strand was right in the midst of Colaba market which sold variety of vegetables and fruit (Both exotic and local).The market used to be flooded on weekends. Fish was procured from the nearby Sassoon Dock. Fisher folk from far off suburbs would come with their baskets by train from Victoria Terminus on the central line and Churchgate station on the western line to buy fish in bulk which I presumed was sold cheap when bought in large quantities .

Living in Colaba was considered prestigious and I luckily happened to be one thanks to my fathers posting while in the Indian Navy. Living across the road from Colaba Causeway and across Paradise Restaurant in a narrow lane were a block of residences known as Brady's Flats. Those were the idyllic days when I look back now. It was was pure joy just soaking in the fun-filled life in Bombay which was peaceful, uncomplicated, less populous, free of violent crime and where terrorism was unheard of.

Exploring cultural frontiers.

Blog Archive

About Me

A die hard Mumbaikar, but honestly don’t like the name Mumbai and prefer the old name Bombay. From my blog, readers will be able to discern that everything old, quaint and traditional attracts me and therefore have named my blog Retro- Reflections.

A social anthropologist and a historian by profession, my special areas of interest are cultural studies and maritime history. I am a peoples’ person and therefore all kinds of cultures fascinate me. Tribal cultures definitely hold a special place since they are either gradually dying or amalgamating into urban cultures. We consciously need to preserve their distinct identity and maintain a balance.

Never one to be chained to one place, passion for travel is intense. Travelling has been a passion since childhood especially having parents who also had the urge and love for travel. From Kanyakumari to Srinagarin an old Citroën was the first thrilling adventure I experienced as a child. It was almost travelling the whole expanse of India. Since then there has been no looking back. The final find was a life partner who also seems to have wings and spurs.

I am an avid reader-- of classics, crime fiction, historical essays, oriental and Nazi literature they, enthral me equally. Watching good and meaningful cinema is another passion and always a visual delight. Music of different genres be it Retro, classical, jazz, country folk and fusion hold me spellbound. I am unable to relate to the modern trends in music especially the lyrics which seem meaningless not to mention sound and rhythm. But of course each to his or her own taste.

I love the whole range of art and craft India offers and hope I can travel to all these remote corners of India someday where they are manufactured.

I am sensitive to people’s needs and have been doing voluntary work at an adoption institute for the last 20 years. This also is an area which gives me a high.